Avalanche veteran Darcy Tucker was seriously injured in Friday’s game against Carolina when he was slammed into the boards by the Hurricanes’ Tuomo Ruutu in the second period.

The Avs were awaiting further tests on Tucker, who was taken off the ice on a stretcher and taken to a hospital. But the news was somewhat encouraging after the game, in that Tucker had mobility and was alert after losing consciousness. Tucker suffered the injury when his head hit the glass after Ruutu’s hit from behind, which drew a five-minute major boarding penalty and a game misconduct.

At the least, Tucker suffered a concussion, the team said, and needed stitches for a cut on the head. Captain Adam Foote was assessed a roughing penalty in trying to go after Ruutu following the hit.

“It (was) blatantly from behind. (Ruutu) has a few of those on his resume, and hopefully the league takes care of it,” Foote said.

Stewart returns.

Avalanche winger Chris Stewart, sent to Lake Erie of the AHL but recalled Thursday because of an injury to Cody McLeod, played against Carolina and did well.

Stewart had two assists and was a plus-1.

McLeod remains out with an eye injury. The Avs said his vision is good and are hopeful he will return soon.

Footnotes.

Members of the Detroit Red Wings coaching staff and management were on hand for the game. The Wings play the Avs tonight. . . . The Avs moved Wojtek Wolski back to center, playing him on the third line with Ryan O’Reilly and Stewart. Wolski had a goal and an assist. . . . The Avs honored former defenseman Alexei Gusarov before the game, with Gusarov dropping a ceremonial first puck.